Digestive Problems in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Nutrition
Digestive Problems in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Nutrition
Stomach or intestinal upset can occur in any pet. The frequency of the problem depends on the dog's activity, size, age, and even breed. Why does a gastrointestinal disorder occur, what are the symptoms and what to feed a dog with digestive disorders, read the article.
Content
Features of the dog's digestive system
Causes and symptoms of digestive system dysfunction
How to help a dog with indigestion
How Diet Affects a Dog's Digestive System
What not to feed dogs
What to feed a pet with indigestion
Features of the dog's digestive system
To maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent disorders, it is important to know the peculiarities of a dog’s digestion.
Digestion in dogs occurs in much the same way as in most mammals. The main task of the digestive system is the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. But there are key differences.
Acute sense of smell. 200 million olfactory receptors are 20 times more than humans.
Unexpressed taste sensations. A dog has 1,700 taste buds - almost 5 times less than humans. Therefore, pets choose food by smell.
Chewing food. Dogs do not chew food, but swallow it immediately after chewing it. They don't have this need because saliva doesn't contain enzymes to break down food.
More homogeneous microflora. Unlike humans, dogs' intestines contain fewer microorganisms, so it is difficult for pets to adapt to frequent food changes and a varied diet. Changing your diet can even be harmful.
Volumetric stomach. In dogs, the stomach walls are very elastic - the dog can eat a lot of food, which should not be allowed. Because of this feature, large breeds have a risk of gastric volvulus - therefore, large breed dogs should not be fed before walking. The acidity inside the stomach is increased to protect against harmful bacteria.
Accelerated digestion. Food can pass through a dog's intestines in 12-30 hours. A person often needs several days to digest food.
Causes and symptoms of digestive system dysfunction
Indigestion occurs due to inappropriate foods, parasites or chronic disease. It can be recognized by its symptoms:
vomit;
diarrhea or constipation;
weight loss;
changes in eating habits;
decreased appetite;
flatulence;
dry, dull or brittle coat.
The first two symptoms can also appear in healthy dogs. Exacerbations are often harmless and disappear on their own. But their frequent occurrence and general malaise indicate a complication of the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of diarrhea:
worms,
gastrointestinal diseases,
human food poisoning,
imbalance of nutrients due to inappropriate diet,
sudden change of food,
excessive amount of food eaten,
food allergy,
side effects of drugs.
Causes of constipation:
imbalance of nutrients due to inappropriate diet,
stress due to change of environment,
injuries,
complication of the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of vomiting
The dog may regurgitate what it has swallowed: a foreign object, undigested or partially digested food. If vomiting is repeated frequently, this confirms a disturbance in the processes or the presence of a stomach disease.
How to help a dog with indigestion
To determine the cause of your discomfort, consider:
Have you changed the animal's diet?
Could the dog have eaten a spoiled product?
Did she have access to food from the table?
Have you been treated for worms?
Could your pet have eaten a foreign object?
Could someone other than you feed the dog?
If the reason is in your diet and you decide to change it, proceed step by step. Over the course of a week, dilute the old food with a new one, changing the proportions daily in favor of the latter. All this time, monitor your pet’s condition and reaction to the new food.
The best solution for a dog with indigestion is to consult a veterinarian. He will examine the dog and conduct the necessary tests to find out the exact cause. Only a veterinarian can select medications or prescribe a special diet for a specific diagnosis.
How Diet Affects a Dog's Digestive System
Food significantly affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and intestinal microflora of the pet. Dietary diversity only burdens digestion.
The food should be easily digestible and contain the necessary nutrients in proportions that are suitable for age, breed and individual needs. The diet should include:
Prebiotics to feed beneficial bacteria and restore microflora balance.
A balance of highly digestible proteins, fats and carbohydrates to promote cell growth and prevent negative effects on sensitive digestion.
Different types of fiber for better absorption of nutrients, so as not to burden the intestines and form healthy stool.
What not to feed dogs
Many foods we eat can be dangerous for our pets:
Dairy products. The ability to digest lactose decreases as the dog gets older. Milk and cheese have no value, but on the contrary, provoke diarrhea and vomiting.
Meat. Feeding only meat leads to an increase in phosphorus in the blood and the development of hyperparathyroidism, in which calcium is washed out of the bones. Accompanied by severe pain and fractures. In ancient times, this disease was called “Butcher’s Dog Disease.”
Chocolate. Theobromine in its composition acts as a poison on the pet’s body: from digestive disorders to heart problems and seizures.
Fried food. It provokes pancreatitis, causes obesity and related complications.
Grapes and raisins. May lead to kidney failure.
Avocado. The peel and pit of the fruit contain a substance that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
What to feed a dog with indigestion
Dogs with gastrointestinal diseases require a special diet. Royal Canin's assortment includes medicinal foods that support your pet's body on the path to recovery.
Only a veterinarian can prescribe therapeutic diets based on the pet’s specific diagnosis. All veterinary diets have both indications and contraindications.
Sensitivity Control foods are formulated with food allergies or intolerances in mind. A balanced protein content reduces the risk of adverse reactions, and special nutrients improve digestion.
Gastrointestinal diets are recommended for enteritis, gastritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, colitis and other acute disorders. It contains several types of fiber and prebiotics, which are beneficial for healthy digestion.
The Gastrointestinal Low Fat line is suitable for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and digestive disorders. The low concentration of fats and the adjusted amount of fiber in the composition help control weight and at the same time give the dog enough energy.
There is also a line of specialized diets for dogs with sensitive digestion.
Digestive Care diets take into account the digestive characteristics of pets of different sizes. The content of fiber and prebiotics maintains the balance of intestinal microflora and supports the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
